English Reference
noun · adjective

leftist

n. · adj.
US /ˈɫɛftɪst/ UK /lˈɛftɪst/ left·ist UK spelling leftist's, leftist's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    n.someone who supports political ideas that focus on social equality and often wants the government to help people more.

    n.an individual who supports the politics of the left, typically advocating for social reform, egalitarianism, and greater economic regulation.

    Simple

    As a dedicated leftist, she spent her weekends campaigning for better public housing.

    In context

    The candidate struggled to unite the moderate wing of the party with the more radical leftists who demanded systemic economic change.

    rightistconservative
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    adj.describing political ideas or groups that want to reduce inequality and change how money is shared in society.

    adj.pertaining to the political left or its ideologies, often used to describe policies, movements, or rhetoric.

    Simple

    The university is known for its history of leftist student protests.

    In context

    The government faced criticism from leftist organisations for its decision to privatise the national railway system.

    left wingprogressive
    right wingconservative

For many Jewish leftists before 1948, Zionism was far from the only vision for the Jewish future.

JSTOR Daily· 31 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated